Francis Ngannou set for MMA return on Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Netflix card

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is set to return to MMA — and he’ll do it on Netflix.

Early on Monday morning, it was announced that Ngannou will take on fellow UFC outcast Philipe Lins on May 16. The bout will serve as co-headliner to the much discussed Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano clash. It will be promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.

Ngannou announced the matchup himself, in collaboration with Netflix Sports.

Francis Ngannou returns on Netflix

 

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Ngannou joined the UFC roster in 2015. He quickly became a contender, thanks to vicious stoppage wins over Curtis Blaydes, Andrei Alrovski, and Alistair Overeem. He came up short in his first bid at UFC gold, suffering a decision loss to Stipe Miocic. However, after knockout wins over Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, he earned a rematch with the champ. In his second fight with Miocic, he claimed the title with a vicious knockout. He then defended the belt with a decision win over Ciryl Gane, before vacating the title and leaving the UFC due to highly publicized contract gripes.

Ngannou has fought three times since leaving the UFC. First, he shocked the world by battling Tyson Fury to a close decision loss in the boxing ring. Then, he suffered a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua, also under boxing rules. He then returned to MMA for a one-off fight in the PFL cage, battering Renan Ferreira to a quick stoppage win. He parted with the PFL last week, despite having a fight remaining on his contract.

As Ngannou’s next opponent, Lins definitely comes as a surprise. The Brazilian has not fought since 2024, when he defeated Ion Cutelaba in a light heavyweight bout in the UFC. It was his fourth win in a row. All four of his latest wins occurred at light heavyweight. However, he has competed at heavyweight previously, most recently losing to Tanner Boser and Arlovski.

How do you think Francis Ngannou will do in his return to MMA?